Original scientific paper
[Role of irradiation of taste in X-ray induced glucose aversion]
Dora Gabrić
Abstract
Whole-body X-irradiated rats are known to exhibit a temporary aversion to glucose solution. The purpose of this study was to explore the role of direct irradiation of taste receptors in the development of this avoidance behavior. The irradiated and control
groups of rats were allowed to drink tap water and a 12 % glucose solution. The total-bocly exposure to a single 600 r dose provoked the expected glucose aversion, lasti'ng from the second to the ninth post-radiation day. Localized exposure of the head to the same radiation dose was not effective in producing a change of drink selection, but the irradiation of the rest of the body (head shielded) resulted in a glucose avoidance. The conclusion is that the direct effect of X-rays on the taste receptors and the central nervous system is not responsible for the described behavioral change. It seems to be more probable that the function of the taste receptors, or perhaps of the brain structures involved in the regulation of food and drink intake, is modified by some nervous or humoral agents developing after irradiation of the other parts of the body.
Keywords
Hrčak ID:
109120
URI
Publication date:
15.9.1966.
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